The Hydrophyllaceæ are nearly
allied to the Borages. They grow among moist, shady rocks, and they derive their name from
the circumstance that in spring a small quantity of water is held in the cavity of each
leaf. The older writers speak of Hydrophyl. v. as an
antidote to Rhus poisoning. The only homopathic
experience on record is that of Dr. Hoyt, of Indiana, which is recorded by Hale. Ten minutes
after gathering a cluster of the beautiful blue flowers, Hoyt noticed his eyes began to
water and burn, with slight itching, By the time he reached home he was suffering severely,
eyelids swollen, sclerotics fiery red, some sensitiveness to light. The symptoms continued
through afternoon and evening and kept him awake some time. In the morning, the lids were
agglutinated and eyes sensitive to light. The burning and smarting were less, but
lachrymation remained, and it was a week before the eyes were quite right. Later on Dr. Hoyt
tested the remedy in one case of catarrhal inflammation of the eyes, which it cured
"like magic." It needs further proving that it may have its position defined. It
should prove to be a good adjunct to Euphrasia.